The Duke of Shu Han began guarding Jingzhou in place of Guan Yu.

Chapter 114 Major Events in Life
"Although the position of Fengche Duwei is also equivalent to that of a 2,000-stone official, he has the title of accompanying the king and can 'attend court sessions,' making him far more prestigious than the previous position of Jun Duwei."

“At your age, I am but a lowly official with only a small amount of food.”

"The King has treated me well!"

When Mi Zhu saw his son's new official seal, he looked at it from left to right and sighed repeatedly.

Mi Wei thought to himself, "Back then, you didn't rely on your salary to support your family at all. What difference did it make whether you fought for food or not?"

However, there's no need to refute the old father's forced recollection of past hardships and appreciation of present happiness.

Old Liu is truly kind and generous to his buddies; there's no doubt about that.

He then asked, "What does '奉朝请' mean?"

Mi Zhu: "In ancient times, when feudal lords paid homage to the emperor, it was called 'court audience' in spring and 'request' in autumn."

"The term 'attending court' as used today refers to the fact that a subject can go to court to see the emperor on the first day of each month."

"It should be known that if officials from other prefectures wish to reach the Emperor's ears, they can only submit memorials, but these memorials may not necessarily be presented to the Emperor. Even if they are presented, there is no guarantee of a reply."

"But you, as the Commandant of the Imperial Carriage, can enter the palace to meet the Emperor and report matters before him. This is naturally superior to that of the outer prefectures."

Mi Wei nodded in realization.

Isn't this what people commonly refer to as a "court official"?

Moreover, judging from the duties of the Fengche Duwei, he was likely an inner court official similar to "Shizhong" or "Changshi".

That is, they could directly enter the palace to serve without having to go through the Ministry of Personnel or the ministers of the outer court.

According to the common logic that "the closer one is to the emperor, the greater one's real power," this position, which was equivalent to a 2,000-stone official post, might be more prestigious than some sinecure positions with a 2,000-stone official post.

Afterwards, Mi Wei consulted his father about matters concerning people in Sichuan, so as not to accidentally break any taboos in the future.

Mi Zhu spoke freely about everything.

During the discussion, Liu Bei's treatment of Meng Da and Yu Jin was also mentioned.

The former will likely be promoted to the rank of Yilang, an official with a salary of 600 shi (a unit of grain).

It was usually used to house retired officials.

The latter had already been appointed as Guanglu Dafu, a leisurely official position.

But it was a much higher rank than Meng Da's position as a court official, equivalent to two thousand shi of grain.

She is clearly still considered a high-ranking hostage, a fact known to both sides.

But he didn't know if he would ever be able to go back and see Cao Pi in this lifetime.

However, a subordinate general named Hao Zhou under Yu Jin, after being warmly won over by Liu Bei, was inclined to join him.

However, at this point, no one cared about the topic of these criminal generals and surrendered people.

As more and more auspicious omens are introduced to Chengdu.

The calls for him to ascend the throne grew louder and louder.

Some high-ranking officials have already invited other ministers to jointly submit a memorial urging the emperor to ascend the throne, and even Mi Zhu and his son Mi Wei have been drawn into the "group".

In fact, Liu Bei had already laid the groundwork when he declared himself King of Hanzhong.

For example, the positions of the Nine Ministers were established.

For example, the Shangshutai (Imperial Secretariat) was established as a key institution.

For example, there's the current "Fengche Duwei," a position clearly established to correspond with the emperor's regulations.

Some things, at this point, are simply a matter of going through the motions.

The ancients, however, valued legitimacy and proper justification.

Don't underestimate the fact that it's just one step away.

This seemingly small difference represents the ideal that countless people have longed for for most of their lives.

However, until that ideal day arrives.

Mi Weixian is about to experience a major life event.

……

The first step, naturally, is the coming-of-age ceremony, which formally marks one's entry into adulthood.

According to official rank, Mi Wei was entitled to wear the "Two-Beamed Scholar's Crown".

In other words, two beams could be hung on the top of the hat to signify the status of a mid-level official.

At the same time, because the position of Fengche Duwei is biased towards military posts, he can also choose to wear the Wubian Daguan (military cap).

As for which type of crown to wear, it depends on the occasion and personal preference.

Yes, Han officials did not strictly distinguish between civil and military attire as depicted in TV dramas.

Aside from the officials in the imperial palace who had specific dress codes to reflect the imperial majesty,

Other officials from the outer court dressed relatively casually.

The distinction of official rank was mainly based on the "seal of office".

If you're willing, a feather fan and a silk turban are also acceptable.

If someone has enough fame, they might even be able to set a trend.

……

After the coming-of-age ceremony, the wedding arrangements were immediately put on the agenda.

Guan Jiji was delighted to receive her official name, "Linghui".

The orderer is good;

The benevolent are those who are kind and loving.

It perfectly complements the two characters "Shi Shan" in Mi Wei's name.

Asking the name is the second step in a Han Chinese wedding, following the betrothal ceremony.

Next come complicated procedures such as accepting the auspicious gifts, receiving the gifts, and setting the wedding date.

However, their parents and matchmakers arranged everything, so Miwei didn't need to worry about anything.

When it came to the final step of the wedding procession, Miwei discovered that a shed covered with a blue cloth had been erected in his yard.

It's said to be used by newlyweds for their ceremonies.

It is the "green house" in the poem "The Bride Enters the Green House".

This is quite different from the weddings of later generations that mainly feature bright red tones.

With spring in full bloom, the wedding arrived as scheduled.

On the wedding day, the hall was filled with distinguished guests. Officials who remained in Chengdu, including General Ma Chao, Grand Tutor Xu Jing, Grand Master of Ceremonies Lai Gong, Grand Master of the Palace Huang Zhu, Junior Steward Wang Mou, Prefect of Shu Commandery Wang Lian, Marquis of Yangquan Liu Bao, General of the Right Army Zhao Yun, General Who Protects the Army and Subdues Rebels Wu Yi, Attendant-in-Ordinary Liao Li, and other high-ranking officials with salaries of two thousand piculs of grain, all came to offer their congratulations.

Below the rank of 2,000 shi, there were: Huang Quan, the Lieutenant General of the Guards; Jiang Wan and Ma Qi, the two Gentlemen-in-Waiting; Li Fu, the Magistrate of Chengdu; Li Hui, the Prefectural Governor; Yang Hong, the Prefectural Chief; She Yuan, the Military Advisor; Xu Ci, the Doctor; and Meng Guang, the Consultant.

There are also talented young people, such as Dong Yun, Huo Yi, Guo Youzhi, and many other figures that Mi Wei can and cannot name.

All present.

Even officials who couldn't come from other places sent relatives as their representatives.

For example, Zhang Fei's second son, Zhang Shao, and Ma Liang's younger brother, Ma Su, etc.

For the first time, Mi Wei truly realized just how powerful his adoptive father's influence and connections were.

This setup, aside from the inappropriate location, is almost enough to organize a grand court assembly on the spot.

The only regret is that Zhuge Liang and Liu Ba were not present.

It's not about avoiding suspicion.

Zhuge Liang was on a royal mission to inspect the counties and supervise spring plowing, so he could only send his stepson, Zhuge Qiao, to offer his congratulations on his behalf.

The Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, Liu Ba, was aloof and disliked crowds.

However, they all sent generous congratulatory gifts in advance.

The guests were enjoying themselves and drinking.

Mi Wei and Guan Linghui exchanged greetings in the green pavilion.

After completing the procedures, Guan Linghui went to her room to rest for a while.

Meanwhile, Miwei went to the hall to feast with the guests and receive their congratulations.

This is not much different from later generations; it is also a matter of personal preference and budget.

Mi Zhu certainly wouldn't skimp on this.

This is a good opportunity to introduce my son, who has just come of age, to a group of famous scholars and heroes in Sichuan.

Meanwhile, Miwei seized the opportunity to latch onto every powerful figure he could.
Even if you can't get close to them for the time being, try to become a familiar face.

They drank and celebrated until sunset.

Mi Wei noticed that Zhang Yi was sitting alone at the last seat, looking utterly bored.

I guess it was because his clothes were too shabby that nobody paid him any attention.

So he took the wine jug and went to greet them.

Zhang Yi was overjoyed, but first respectfully added a name card.

Mi Wei solemnly accepted it and asked:
"Does Boqi hold a real position now?"

Zhang Yi nodded and said:
"I have some concerns about choosing a prefecture in the south to serve in."

Oh, you're having some kind of problem with your thighs?

Mi Wei was secretly delighted and asked earnestly:
"I wonder what concerns you have, Boqi? Why don't we find a quieter place to discuss this in detail?"

Zhang Yi glanced at Mi Wei's ruddy complexion and chuckled:

"Master Shan is overjoyed today, are you sure you want to discuss mundane matters with a common man like me?"

We absolutely must talk!
Mi Wei thought to himself.

Moreover, he noticed it when he was toasting.

Ma Su's gaze kept drifting in his direction, intentionally or unintentionally.

His face clearly said, "I'm going to make a big splash."

I was just worried about where to hide!
"Boqi's first appointment to a post in a region is a major event in his life, how can we not talk about it?"

So he made an excuse that he couldn't hold his liquor and asked Zhang Yi to help him change his clothes.

The two then moved to the depths of the courtyard.

The sky was clear and bright, and the moon was high in the sky.

The lingering chill of spring makes it far less comfortable than being indoors in a warm room.

He then instructed his servants to bring charcoal and a wine stove.

They warmed themselves while also warming the wine.

Zhang Yi began to recount his recent situation.

“I have recently met many county officials who have come to the capital, and I have learned that although the situation in the south seems stable, the government’s orders basically cannot leave the city.”

“In some places, county officials have been absent for many years, and the people have never been educated, and they are no different from the wild people in the uncivilized lands.”

"The reason for this is that the local powerful clans colluded with the barbarian chieftains and, relying on their remote location, acted tyrannically in the area."

"Among these many Yi chieftains, Gao Ding of Yuexi County was the most powerful and posed the greatest threat to Shu."

Mi Wei: "Is it because Yuexi borders the two prefectures of Jianwei and Hanjia to the north, and has both water and land routes leading into Shu?"

"Indeed, I never expected that Master Shan would also be so knowledgeable about geography!" Zhang Yi was quite pleasantly surprised.

"As you said, the troubles of several counties in the south are most severe in Yuexi, which is the place where patriots can make their mark."

Miwei: "So you've taken on the role of Yuexi Commissioner?"

Zhang Yi nodded and sighed:

"I'm afraid it won't work."

“Now Gao Ding is rampant throughout Yuexi. Except for the prefectural capital, which is relatively stable, the other counties do not obey the king’s orders at all. As a mere prefectural official, I would be unable to perform my supervisory duties there and would only waste my time.”

Mi Wei thought of Ma Su's previous refusal to take up his post in Yuexi County, and guessed that he had the same considerations.

However, Zhang Yi's situation was different from Ma Su's.

Ma Su's position as prefectural governor was the top military and political leader at the prefectural level.

Liu Bei sent him to Yuexi, clearly hoping he would solve the problem of Gao Ding, and if necessary, lead troops to attack him.

Zhang Yi, as a prefectural-level official, was a supervisory officer and did not have military power.

If you can't monitor it, you really can't monitor it; there's nothing you can do about it.

Just because Zhang Yi served as the governor of Yuexi in his previous life does not mean that he will be the same in the present.

The situation in the south before and after Zhuge Liang's southern expedition was completely different.

Mi Wei: "So, which prefecture did Boqi ultimately choose as his aide?"

(End of this chapter)